- Almost three years have passed since the US military announced it would open combat roles to women.

- In September, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said the jury is still out when it comes to women's performance in these newly integrated units.

- Despite women's roles in combat support units that often placed them in the line of fire, the US is one of the last western nations to open positions in infantry, artillery, and special operations to women.

In 2015, the US military joined the majority of the western world when Defense Department officials announced women would finally be able to serve in combat-oriented roles.

Although women were no strangers to combat — supportive roles in logistics and combat medicine, aviation and in warships, among others, often brought them under enemy fire — they are now able to serve in roles previously reserved for men, including infantry, artillery, and special operations.

Before US officials decided to make the shift, they looked to foreign militaries, many of which have allowed women in these positions for years or even decades. Here's a look at some of them.

1. German women have been serving in combat roles since 2001.
Photo Link: https://amp.businessinsider.com/imag...38-750-563.jpg A German soldier during her first shooting training in Doerverden, Germany in 2001, when the country first opened combat units to women. Jeorg Sarbach/AP Photo

2. Conscription in the Israeli Defense Force extends to women, who must serve at least two years.
Photo Link: https://amp.businessinsider.com/imag...93-750-563.jpg
A woman in Israel's integrated Caracal battalion takes position during sniper training in central Israel. Ariel Schalit/AP File photo
Israel has allowed women in combat roles since 1995.

4. Female Philippine Marines undergo the same training as their male counterparts.
Photo Link: https://amp.businessinsider.com/imag...88-750-563.jpg
Philippine Marines jump off a boat during drills in Ternate south of Manila in 2013. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
The Philippino military opened combat roles to women in 2006.

5. Romanian women have served in Afghanistan and Iraq since at least 2008.
Photo link: https://amp.businessinsider.com/imag...f4-750-563.jpg
A Romanian soldier adjusts her helmet during weapons training with US Marines at Capu Midia, Romania during exercise Spring Storm. Vadim Ghirda/AP Photo

6. Women have packed a strong punch in the fight against ISIS.
Photo link: https://amp.businessinsider.com/imag...23-750-563.jpg
A member of the YPJ, the female protection unit of the Syrian Defense Forces, stands guard in an armored truck in Syria. Still taken from Reuters video

7. Integration has been crucial in Afghanistan, where female soldiers can specialize in searching and questioning women.
Photo Link: https://amp.businessinsider.com/imag...83-750-563.jpg
Female Tactical Platoon member maintains perimeter security during an exercise near Kabul. Martha Schaeffer/NATO Special Operations Component Command

These are but a few women who stand on the line with their counter-parts and have contributed to the efforts as so posted.

__________________
Boats

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.